Representation of Gender – Men are represented in the film through the character of Captain Vidal. Vidal is shown to the audience to be violent (as seen when he murders several people), sexist (“She is just a woman” is what he says when asked if it was safe for him to be left alone with Mercedes) and unemotional, prioritising his legacy as opposed to his wife (he tells his workers to ensure that his son is born regardless what happens to Carmen).

Use of Aesthetics – The golden surrounding when Ofelia reunites with her family at the end of the film connotes wealth, reinforcing the idea of royalty within the family.

The dark, mossy appearance of the labyrinth suggests that it is ancient and has been left alone for an extended period of time.